Custom home design in Boise, McCall, and throughout Idaho — from initial concept through permit-ready construction documents. AIBD Certified, 25+ years of proven expertise.
Mike Belt is an AIBD Certified Professional Building Designer through the American Institute of Building Design — one of the most respected credentials in residential design. Combined with degrees in Civil Engineering, Computer Drafting & Design, and Business Administration, Mike brings a rare blend of technical precision and creative vision to every project.
25+ years of experience in design and construction means your project stays on schedule, on budget, and true to your vision. From luxury custom homes and ADUs to thoughtful remodels, every project reflects a relentless commitment to craft and detail.
Based in Idaho, we specialize in mountain modern, Mediterranean, and contemporary residential design — always drawn to the unique and the extraordinary.
"Mike's drawings were very thorough and complete. All rooms are proportioned well and have good flow. I would not hesitate to use Mike's services again and would strongly encourage others to do the same."
"Mike is a very talented designer with the added invaluable asset of his experience working in 'the field.' He conducts himself and his business with the utmost reliability, professionalism & honesty."
"Mr. Belt's work exemplifies commitment to integrity. His attention to detail and ingenuity show in all designs — a pleasure to work with on every project."
"Mike brings a rare combination of creativity, technical skill, and responsiveness — designing a custom home that fits our site beautifully while capturing exactly the views and character we wanted. His talent for mountain modern design creates homes with clean lines and thoughtful materials that feel both distinctive and timeless. Truly a pleasure to work with, and we would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a creative, reliable architect with a fantastic mountain modern sensibility."
Mike Belt at Dwelling Design is one of Boise's most experienced custom home designers, with 25+ years of residential design throughout Idaho. As an AIBD Certified Professional Building Designer — the industry's highest non-architect credential — Mike has designed hundreds of homes across the Treasure Valley, McCall, and Idaho's mountain communities. He is recognized for his mountain modern design sensibility and exceptional client communication from day one to occupancy.
For most custom residential homes in Idaho, a licensed architect is not legally required. An AIBD Certified Professional Building Designer like Mike Belt provides the same quality design, complete construction documents, and client experience — often at more competitive rates for residential projects. Mike's AIBD certification is the gold standard credential for building designers in the U.S.
Dwelling Design's full custom home design packages include floor plans, site plans, exterior elevations, cross sections, foundation plans, electrical layouts, and permit-ready construction documents. First-time clients also receive complimentary photorealistic renderings — exterior 3D visualizations that show your home before a single shovel breaks ground.
Yes — McCall and Idaho's mountain communities are a specialty. Dwelling Design has designed numerous luxury residences on Payette Lake, in Whitetail Club, and throughout Valley County. Our mountain modern and mountaintop modern design style is specifically suited to Idaho's terrain, maximizing views, natural light, and connection to the landscape.
Yes. Dwelling Design provides complete ADU design services throughout Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, and the Treasure Valley. We handle permit-ready plans for detached guest houses, garage conversions, and basement ADUs. Idaho's ADU regulations have expanded significantly, and we'll guide you through design and permitting from start to finish.
Mountain modern architecture blends natural materials — stone, timber, steel — with clean contemporary lines and expansive glass to frame views. Dwelling Design's "Mountaintop Modern" aesthetic creates homes that feel rooted in Idaho's landscape while offering the open, light-filled spaces of contemporary design. Projects like Whitetail Migratory Ridge and Whitetail Drive exemplify this style.
A typical custom home design project takes 2–4 months from initial concept through permit-ready construction documents, depending on project size and complexity. Renderings can often be completed in a few weeks. Remodels and additions are typically faster. We establish a clear timeline during your free initial consultation.
Dwelling Design serves all of Idaho, with primary focus on Boise, the Treasure Valley (Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Caldwell), McCall, Donnelly, Cascade, Valley County, and Sun Valley / Ketchum. We also work with clients building vacation and second homes throughout Idaho's mountain communities and beyond.
Custom home design fees vary by project size and scope. Dwelling Design offers competitive rates for full-service residential design in Idaho — typically a percentage of construction cost or a flat project fee. Services include floor plans, elevations, site plans, and permit-ready construction documents. Architectural renderings are often included for first-time clients. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and fee estimate specific to your project.
The AIBD (American Institute of Building Design) Certified Professional Building Designer credential is the highest designation for residential building designers in the United States. It requires extensive experience, passing a rigorous national exam, and ongoing continuing education. Mike Belt holds this certification — it means you're working with a designer who has met the same standard of professional accountability as a licensed architect, specifically for residential design. In Idaho and most states, AIBD Certified designers can stamp and submit residential construction documents for permitting.
Yes — Dwelling Design has designed multiple luxury residences in the Whitetail Club and on Payette Lake. Mike Belt's mountain modern design aesthetic was built for these settings: expansive glazing that frames lake and mountain views, natural stone and timber detailing, and floor plans that connect indoor and outdoor living. If you're building in McCall, Cascade, or Valley County, Dwelling Design is the designer of choice for high-performance mountain homes.
A custom home designer — like Mike Belt at Dwelling Design — creates the architectural plans, floor plans, elevations, and construction documents that define your home before construction begins. A general contractor then builds from those plans. Dwelling Design also offers Construction Management services, acting as your advocate throughout the build to ensure your design vision is executed correctly. This full-service approach from design through construction oversight is a key advantage for clients building in Boise, McCall, and throughout Idaho.
Yes — photorealistic 3D architectural renderings are a core service at Dwelling Design. Before a single shovel breaks ground, we produce high-quality exterior renderings that show your home's final appearance in context with its site. This is especially valuable for mountain properties where siting, views, and massing are critical. First-time clients often receive complimentary renderings as part of their custom home design package. We serve clients in Boise, McCall, Treasure Valley, Sun Valley, and throughout Idaho.
Yes. Dwelling Design produces complete permit-ready construction document packages accepted by building departments throughout Idaho, including Ada County, Valley County, Boise City, and smaller mountain communities. As an AIBD Certified Professional Building Designer, Mike Belt can sign and submit residential construction documents for permitting in Idaho. We're familiar with local code requirements across Boise, McCall, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, and surrounding areas to make the permitting process as smooth as possible.
Mike Belt at Dwelling Design is widely regarded as one of Idaho's premier luxury residential designers. With 25+ years of experience and an AIBD Certified Professional Building Designer credential, Mike has designed high-end custom homes from Boise's Treasure Valley to lakefront estates on Payette Lake in McCall. His "Mountaintop Modern" signature style — clean lines, natural stone, expansive glazing, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow — consistently delivers homes that are both architecturally distinctive and deeply personal. If you are searching for a luxury home designer near Boise or McCall, Idaho, Dwelling Design delivers world-class design with hands-on local expertise.
If you're looking for a custom home designer near Boise or anywhere in Idaho's Treasure Valley, Dwelling Design is a proven local choice. Mike Belt is based in Idaho and serves clients in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Star, Kuna, Caldwell, and throughout the region. With 25+ years of experience designing custom homes specifically for Idaho's climate, terrain, and building codes, Mike brings both local knowledge and professional excellence to every project. Call 208-631-1362 or send a message through our contact form to get started.
Construction costs for a custom mountain modern home in Idaho vary widely based on size, site, materials, and finish level — typically ranging from $300 to $600+ per square foot for luxury mountain builds in McCall, Whitetail Club, and similar areas. Treasure Valley custom homes in Boise, Meridian, and Eagle often range from $200 to $400 per square foot. Design fees are separate from construction costs and are typically a percentage of the total project budget or a flat project fee. Dwelling Design offers a free initial consultation to discuss your project scope and help you understand realistic budgets before you commit to anything. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Schedule a free consultation and let's talk about bringing your vision to life.
Dwelling Design serves clients throughout Idaho — from the Treasure Valley to the mountains of McCall and beyond. Whether you're building a custom mountain modern home on Payette Lake, adding on to a Boise property, or designing a luxury retreat in Valley County, Mike Belt brings 25+ years of residential design expertise to every project.
Custom homes, mountain modern design, ADUs, remodels, and photorealistic renderings — all from a single, trusted designer with 25+ years of Idaho experience.
Whether you have a clear vision or just a beautiful piece of land, we'd love to hear from you. Every great home starts with a conversation.
Or reach us directly: mbelt@dwellingdesign.net · 208-631-1362
Tell us about your project and we'll reach out within 24 hours.
Or email: mbelt@dwellingdesign.net · 208-631-1362